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Something extraordinary is coming to New York City this November. For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, one of the world’s greatest classic car events is crossing the Atlantic. Retromobile New York 2026 is set for November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. This is not just another car show. It is a four-day celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and culture — right in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Whether you are a lifelong collector, a passionate enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful machines, this event has something for you.
A Historic First: Europe’s Greatest Car Show Comes to America
Rétromobile was first held in Paris in 1976. Since then, it has grown into one of the most respected collector car events in the world. For almost 50 years, the annual show has been held in France, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world, including many who flew in from the United States.
Now, American fans no longer need a transatlantic flight to experience it. The 2026 New York edition will recreate the remarkable ambiance of the European event, with an American twist.
The event is organized by Comexposium, one of the world’s leading event organizers. In Paris, the show celebrates its 50th anniversary this same year. On the other side of the Atlantic, the first American edition arrives in the heart of New York. Therefore, attending in 2026 means being part of a truly historic moment for the global automotive community.
Event Dates, Venue, and Location
Retromobile New York 2026 takes place from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located at 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
The Javits Center is one of Manhattan’s largest and most iconic venues. It sits in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, between 34th and 38th Streets along Eleventh Avenue. It is easily accessible by subway, bus, and taxi from all parts of the city. Additionally, it is within walking distance of Penn Station, making it convenient for visitors arriving by train from outside New York.
The four-day format gives visitors plenty of time to explore without rushing. Each day brings new programming, new viewing opportunities, and new chances to connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.
Tickets: How to Get In and What to Expect
One of the most welcoming aspects of this event is its accessible pricing. Tickets are set to run about a tenth of what most Monterey Car Week events cost. This makes the show an exceptional value compared to other premier automotive gatherings in the United States.
Early-bird tickets are available with a 20 percent discount through the official website at retromobile.us. General admission tickets grant access to the full exhibition floor, including all curated displays, restoration workshops, and the automobilia marketplace.
However, the live auction requires separate registration. Retromobile attendees with a standard entry ticket will be able to view all auction lots on display. Up-close viewing and participation in the bidding are available to registered bidders only. Anyone interested in bidding should register in advance through Gooding Christie’s to secure their place.
The Auction: Gooding Christie’s Takes Center Stage
No element of the event generates more excitement among serious collectors than the auction. Gooding Christie’s has announced its partnership as the official auction partner of Retromobile New York 2026, bringing its world-renowned expertise in the classic car market together with the prestige and heritage of the Christie’s name.
The auction will take place on November 19 and 20, 2026, during the opening days of the event. The sale is expected to feature vehicles of the highest rarity and provenance. These are not ordinary used cars. They are rolling pieces of history, each with a story that spans decades.
Since its establishment in 2003, Gooding and Company has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading auction houses in the collector car market. It holds numerous world records for the most prestigious marques, including Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, and Duesenberg. The merger with Christie’s adds another layer of global reach and prestige to that already formidable reputation.
The partnership between these two institutions and Retromobile signals that this New York debut will be no ordinary sale. Collectors from across the globe are expected to register and compete for some of the finest lots ever offered at a North American automotive auction.
The Star of the Show: A 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante
One vehicle has already captured the imagination of the automotive world ahead of the event. Taking center stage as the showcase car is a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante — one of only 15 Atalante coupes ever produced.
This car represents everything that makes classic automotive collecting so compelling. It is rare, beautiful, and deeply historical. The Bugatti Type 57S is widely regarded as one of the most elegant automobiles ever built. Seeing one in the flesh, let alone one of only 15 surviving examples, is an experience that very few collectors ever have.
The car was previewed at Christie’s building at Rockefeller Plaza in December 2025, generating enormous excitement ahead of the full event. It serves as a powerful signal of the caliber of vehicles that visitors can expect in November.
What to See and Do Over Four Days
The event is far more than a static display of beautiful cars. The four days will be packed with programming that combines heritage, expertise, and spectacle. Here is a closer look at the highlights waiting inside the Javits Center.
Curated Exhibitions Spanning a Century of Design
The exhibition floor will feature vehicles drawn from over 100 years of automotive history. Visitors can expect to see cars representing some of the most iconic eras in motoring. From the elegance of prewar grand tourers to the raw power of postwar racing machines, each display tells a story about the age that produced it.
Automakers, car clubs, dealers, restorers, and coachbuilders are all expected to participate. This diversity of exhibitors means that almost every taste in automotive history will be represented somewhere on the floor.
Restoration Workshops and Live Demonstrations
This is where craft meets passion. Skilled restorers will demonstrate the painstaking work involved in preserving and rebuilding historic vehicles. These live sessions offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how deteriorating machines are brought back to their original glory. For anyone curious about the restoration process, these workshops are genuinely fascinating.
Additionally, the live demonstrations create natural conversation points. Watching an expert work on a vintage engine encourages questions, storytelling, and the kind of informal knowledge sharing that makes automotive communities so rewarding.
The Automobilia Marketplace
Beyond the cars themselves, the event hosts an exclusive marketplace. Visitors can browse rare parts, vintage posters, automotive literature, scale models, memorabilia, and original artwork. This section appeals to collectors at every budget level. You do not need to spend six figures to leave with a meaningful piece of automotive history.
Expert-Led Guided Sessions and Themed Presentations
Throughout the four days, themed presentations and guided sessions will be led by industry experts. These sessions offer context and storytelling that bring the vehicles to life. Understanding the history behind a car deepens the experience of seeing it considerably.
The full schedule will be released closer to the event. However, visitors can expect exhibition openings, auction viewings, and curated experiences spread across all four days.
The Richard Mille Partnership
The event has also secured a partnership with Richard Mille, one of the world’s most exclusive fine watchmaking brands. This collaboration is a natural fit. Fine watchmaking and classic car collecting share deep common ground. Both celebrate mechanical precision, handcraft, rarity, and the enduring beauty of things made to last.
The Richard Mille presence will add a luxury dimension to the event beyond the cars themselves. It is one more reason that Retromobile New York 2026 feels less like a trade show and more like a cultural occasion.
Why This Event Matters for American Car Enthusiasts
The arrival of this storied European institution in New York is a significant moment for American automotive culture. The event is often spoken of in the same breath as Monterey Car Week. However, unlike Monterey, it is positioned to be accessible to a much wider audience — both in terms of ticket pricing and geographic reach.
Furthermore, New York’s profile as a global city means that this event will draw international visitors alongside the American faithful. Collectors, dealers, restorers, and enthusiasts from Europe, Asia, and beyond are likely to make the trip, creating a truly global gathering in the middle of Manhattan.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
A little preparation makes a big difference at an event of this scale. Here are some things to keep in mind before you go.
- Book tickets early through retromobile.us to take advantage of the early-bird discount
- Register separately with Gooding Christie’s if you plan to bid at the auction
- Allow a full day at minimum to explore the exhibition floor properly
- Arrive early on auction days, as the viewing galleries can become busy
- Check the official website for the full daily schedule closer to November
The Javits Center is well served by public transport. The M34 SBS bus stops directly outside, and the 7 train at Hudson Yards is a short walk away. You can find nearby parking, though we recommend using public transport because of Manhattan traffic conditions.
Conclusion
Retromobile New York 2026 is a landmark event in the American automotive calendar. Taking place from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, it brings nearly five decades of European classic car tradition to a new continent for the very first time. From the extraordinary 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante to the prestigious Gooding Christie’s auction, from immersive restoration workshops to a world-class automobilia marketplace, this event offers an experience without equal in the United States. The organizers offer affordable ticket prices, host the event at a world-class venue, and showcase some of the finest cars ever assembled in North America. Plan ahead, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Retromobile New York 2026?
The event runs from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located at 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
How much do tickets cost for Retromobile New York 2026?
Ticket prices are set to be significantly more affordable than comparable events like Monterey Car Week. Early-bird tickets with a 20 percent discount are available at retromobile.us. Auction participation requires separate registration with Gooding Christie’s.
What kind of cars will be on display?
The event will feature rare and historic collector cars spanning over a century of automotive history. Highlights include prewar grand tourers, postwar racing machines, and iconic models from legendary marques such as Bugatti, Ferrari, and Porsche.
Who is running the auction at Retromobile New York 2026?
Gooding Christie’s is the official auction partner. The auction takes place on November 19 and 20, 2026. General admission ticket holders can view the lots, while active bidding requires separate registration.
Is this event suitable for families and casual visitors?
Yes. The event is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Even visitors with no intention of bidding or buying will find the exhibitions, live demonstrations, expert talks, and automobilia marketplace highly engaging and entertaining.
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